Kristy's Story.

Kirsty Tole, BGT Trainee

Kristy's Story.

Meet Kristy Tole, a wonderful BGT Jobs + Training Ballarat Trainee who wanted to share her story about completing her Traineeship at Vic Roads. Kristy has come along in leaps and bounds since beginning her traineeship with BGT Jobs + Training Ballarat and Vic Roads, and the whole BGT team couldn't be prouder of everything she has achieved. We all know Kristy is going places, and we want to share her inspiring story with you.

Read Kristy's full story below and be inspired to take on a traineeship with BGT and Vic Roads today. 

Julie Butler, Business Development Manager with Kirsty Tole

What were you doing before your traineeship?

Prior to the traineeship I had been working in Ballarat temporarily as a call centre operator with a trial run phone line dedicated to rulings, services and general information for Covid 19, unfortunately this phone line never went live and I found myself looking for work again, prior to that I had completed a 12 month contract with Police Assistance Line within Ballarat, as well as various placements as a volunteer while looking for work.

What attracted you to the traineeship?

In all honesty I saw it as a job opportunity more than anything at the time, as I had been looking for work unsuccessfully during the pandemic situation and jobs were unfortunately few and far between. With no official qualifications to utilise I was applying for anything and everything I could at the time. I recall Julie asking me during the initial interview if I even knew what job I had applied for, my response was “Well to be honest I have no idea, I have applied for that many I couldn’t tell you what this one is.” Julie responded with “so if I told you this was for a veterinary clinic what would you say?” “Pass me a broom and show me where to start.” I genuinely had no idea what I was walking into with this position.

​How did you hear about BGT?

I found BGT via Seek employment website, and was frantically applying for work. I had to eventually search on Google to discover who BGT are and what they offer.

What have you valued the most from your traineeship?

The experience of working and studying full time has been incredible, but the most valuable thing I have taken from it has been self-confidence. It has reminded me that regardless what the task at hand is, I have the ability to achieve the end goal. After removing myself from the working world while raising a family and leaving domestic violence situations I had lost that, and this has been an amazing step up back into the working world.

How helpful was the support from BGT?

All staff members both internal and external associates were incredibly helpful. Right from the interview stage through to completion staff were accessible even after hours if needed. If they didn’t know something, they never pretended to know the answer they sought clarification from others and came back with the required information. I could not speak higher of the assistance, welcoming manner and amazing support that was provided during my time with BGT.

What did you find the most rewarding and most challenging part of your traineeship?

The most rewarding part would be the accomplishment of 2 certificates during my 12 month period, its apparently not normal but not only did I believe I could do it but all the staff behind the scenes believed as well and made it possible. The most challenging thing I found was in the initial stages and finding that work/study balance again, as a more mature aged person coming into this I hadn’t studied anything for quite some time, but once I found that balance it was a much smoother process moving forward.

What are you doing now you have completed your traineeship 

I am very happy to say I am still working at Vic Roads where my traineeship began. I have progressed from basic licensing and registration into more specialised areas like Vehicle Safety, with a view to continue moving around to eventually work in customer resolution and relations.

What advice do you have for someone looking to complete a traineeship?

Do it! Its an amazing on the job learning experience, and at the end you get the required qualifications and experience to move forward to more advanced roles in the future.

Is there anything else you'd like someone who is considering a traineeship to know?

You never know what you’re capable of until you step in and try.

If you're interested in completing an Apprenticeship or Traineeship with BGT Jobs + Training Ballarat, please call us on (03) 5333 8600 or email us at [email protected].